Delicious fall dishes that provide necessary nutrients, too!

Fruits and vegetables are abundant year round, and it can be fun to include seasonal favorites to liven up the menu as the weather changes. Fall is excellent for apples, pears, nuts, and dried fruits. Most of us don’t get enough fruits and vegetables daily, so combining them into one delicious dish is an easy way to enjoy the servings needed. This also adds eye appeal, texture, and interest to the menu.

Nuts provide a crunchy source of heart smart fat and protein in place of high fat croutons, and ¼ cup of dried fruits does count towards fruit servings for the day. Read Nutrition Facts panels for the total nutrient profile of every choice. Read ingredient lists to help avoid added sugars. Other quick fixes? Save fat and calories by using light dressings, cream cheese, and low fat dairy products in recipes. It’s amazing how fast this adds up to savings without compromising on taste. Here are a couple recipes to boost fruits and veggies as well as integrate nuts in a sensible portion size. Get creative with your favorite fall flavors and make them part of the menu this week.